The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band was established in June
1951 under the auspices of the National Police Reserve, forerunner to the
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and has been performing ever since. Throughout
the last 68 years, it has remained one of the Japan’s best-known wind ensembles.
As reporting directly to the Minister of Defense, the Central Band has
taken part in more than 1400 performances for delegations from a total
number of about 100 countries to welcome state guests and official visitors
and at national events.In 2015, the Prime Minister granted a special award
for our achievements.
The Central Band’s main activities include regular concerts in the Tokyo metropolitan area, chamber music concerts, national tour concerts or promenade concerts in business districts. It also appears at a wide range of events such as joint concerts with Bands from the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Festival held in the Nippon Budokan arena.The Central Band also participated in projects such as “Kyo-en-Prosperous Future for Band into the 21st Century”and The Japan Band Clinic.
Furthermore, the Central Band provides education and training for members of the other Ground Self-Defense Force bands all over the country as well as produces music CDs.
The Central Band also has contributed to international exchange through
music activities such as participating in music festivals in Republic of
Korea (2002,2004 and 2011), Hamina Tattoo 2014 in Finland, The Royal Edinburgh
Military Tattoo 2017 in Scotland and Spasskaya Tower International Military
Music Festival 2019 in Russia, joint performances with the US Army Japan
band, the Ⅲ Marine Expeditionary Force Band USMC and Stabsmusikkorps Der
Bundeswehr.The Central Band Also attended at Midwest Band Clinic and provided
training musical support for Papua New Guinea Defense Force Band.
AWARDS
55th Agency for Cultural Affairs National Arts Festival, Excellence Award
for CD titled,"The Kings Go Forth"(2000)
18th Academy Award of Band performance by the Japan Musical Education and
Culture Promotion Society(2008).
Prestigious Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Music Excellence for Military
Concert Bands(2009).
50th and 55th Record Academy Award Japan in Special Section(wind ensemble)
for CD titled"Best of March 2 & 3"(2012, 2017)
Pooley Sword of Honor for their outstanding performance and rendition,
the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo(2017)
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Oizumigakuen-cho Nerima-ku Tokyo 178-8501 Japan
TEL 048-460-1711 (Ex.3678)